NHWA is supporting a solo cyclist, as they ride 4,000kms across Australia!

And who is this solo cyclist that Neighbourhood Watch Australasia (NHWA) is supporting?

Their President Bernie Durkin! AND, this is his ‘once in a life-time’ challenge.

And what exactly is this incredible challenge?

Well, Bernie is cycling solo, oh yes, we typed solo, across Australia!!!! Bernie’s only companion for this entire journey will be a small bike-trailer of supplies. You got it, that means no, NO, support vehicle.

Scarborough Beach, yep that one in Western Australia, which is on the west coast, is the start, with the finish being all the way across our wide, sunburnt country to Bondi Beach, in New South Wales, on the east coast… Phew, I am exhausted just that the thought.

WHY?? OH WHY????

Great question, so glad you asked:

RIDE TO CONNECT – KEEPING AUSTRALIA SAFE is why.

Bernie plans to connect as many people as possible through the NHWConnect App which is an on-line NHW group, during his 4,000 kilometre push-bike ride. This incredible journey is to promote the importance of keeping Australia safe: connecting neighbours to neighbours along the way through Neighbourhood Watch.

Are you still asking BUT WHY?

That is a fair question to ask again. By combining his innate passion for cycling and his compassion for community safety is what has driven Bernie to undertake the biggest personal challenge of his life.

AND, when is this absolutely amazing feat occurring?

Saturday 25 February 2017 to Saturday 8 April 2017, that’s when. You can check out the proposed itinerary from the start to 10 March 2017 further below.

Want to know more about Bernie?

Name: Bernie

Age: 55

Status: Married, Father of two adorable children

Role/s:

– Executive Manager of Community Engagement for Western Australia Police

– Director, Western Australia’s Neighbourhood Watch program

– President, Neighbourhood Watch Australasia*
*collaboration of all member Neighbourhood Watch programs across Australia and New Zealand

Bernie is hoping that the friendly road-users will assist him by providing water, or supplies, if he finds himself short of either.

Sleeping in a tent, Bernie plans to be as self-sufficient as possible, but is optimistic that the goodwill and community spirit of fellow Aussie’s will help him across the country.

Bernie believes by promoting the simple actions of one individual connecting to another he can raise awareness that community safety is everyone’s responsibility.

You can track and view Bernie’s progress and adventures. NHWA are monitoring Bernie’s safety: a blog will be updated three times a week, with regular postings on the NHWA Facebook page.

Federal Minister for Justice, the Hon Michael Keenan, WA Police Assistant Commissioner Duane Bell and other officials will be farewelling Bernie at 8.00am at Scarborough Beach, on Saturday 25th February. You are invited to bid Bernie a very supportive farewell, as he ventures across our beautiful country.

Are you hankering for more information on this unbelievable occurrence?

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